Definition of forthright
2
archaic
: at once
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Origin and Etymology of forthright
Middle English, from Old English forthriht, from forth + riht right
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearDefinition of forthright
1
archaic
: proceeding straight on
2
: free from ambiguity or evasiveness : going straight to the point
- a forthright critic
- was forthright in appraising the problem
3
: notably simple in style or quality
- forthright furniture
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forthrightly
adverb
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forthrightness
nounExamples of forthright in a Sentence
she sometimes was a little too forthright for her own good and ended up saying things that inadvertently offended people
I appreciate your forthright explanation of the situation.
Recent Examples of forthright from the Web
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In person, Bettany is thoughtful and forthright, alternating between statue-still, sphynx-like observations from behind tinted glasses and leaning-forward non-negotiable philosophies.
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These forthright, independent women are trying to escape not just racial injustice but male chauvinism.
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Bella was forthright early on about her desire for a husband and, evnetually, children, but Cena was steadfast in his reluctance to marry again.
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Maya Thurman-Hawke plays Jo, and her ethereal, slightly alien beauty and forthright manner (both of which evoke her Hollywood lineage) pair well with literature’s most famous tomboy.
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And Republicans were no more forthright in their arguments for the Trump tax cuts.
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Johnson is forthright in her frustration with the state library.
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But like any forthright feminist, mama doesn’t mind.
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The report claims that even if McCabe had been forthright about his actions, his disclosure still would have violated the FBI’s media policy.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forthright.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of forthright
before 12th century
forthright Synonyms
Synonyms
candid, direct, forthcoming, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, freehearted, honest, open, openhearted, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front;
Antonyms
Near Antonyms
inhibited, reserved, restrained;
close-mouthed, laconic, quiet, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative;
Related Words
artless, earnest, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), natural, real, sincere, unaffected, undesigning, unpretending, unpretentious;
outgoing, uninhibited, unrestrained;
abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, gruff, sharp;
impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, tactless, thoughtless, uncivil, undiplomatic, ungracious, unmannerly, unsubtle;
First Known Use of forthright
1606
FORTHRIGHT Defined for English Language Learners
forthright
Definition of forthright for English Language Learners
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: honest and direct : providing answers or information in a very clear and direct way
FORTHRIGHT Defined for Kids
Definition of forthright for Students
: going straight to the point clearly and firmly
- a forthright answer
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forthrightly
adverb- She had spoken forthrightly.
Learn More about forthright
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See words that rhyme with forthright Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for forthright Spanish Central: Translation of forthright Nglish: Translation of forthright for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of forthright for Arabic speakers
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